John Whiteaker

John Whiteaker was an American politician, soldier, and judge. A native of Indiana, he joined the army during the Mexican–American War and then prospected during the California Gold Rush. After moving to the Oregon Territory, he served as a judge and member of the legislature. A Democrat, Whiteaker served as the first state governor of Oregon from 1859 until 1862 and later was Oregon's Representative from 1879 to 1881. He also was president of the Oregon State Senate and Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives.